Name:_____________
Date:_____________
Hour:_____________
Note Guide
Introduction to Beef Cattle
Topic: 3080
Beef Cattle Information
•Latin name: Bos taurus
•Domesticated in Europe and Asia by 6,500 B.C.
•Did not arrive in America until 1492
•Are very important in food and religion around the world
• Cattle are Ruminant Herbivores
Ruminant is any mammal with a 4 chambered stomach that
ruminates (chews cud)
Primary Sources of Nutrients for Cattle
In Feedlots
In Pasture
Hay
Grass
Grain
Sex Classification of Cattle
Cattle are designated names based on sexual development
Cow -Intact female that has given birth
Heifer – Intact female that has not given birth
Bull – Intact male
Steer - Castrated male
Other names
Bullock – Young intact male
Stag – Male that is castrated after sex characteristics appear
Common Beef Cattle Breeds
Breed: Refers to a subspecies and the physical characteristics
expected to be passed down to offspring
There are 8 Breeds you are going to learn more about
1. Shorthorn
2. Simmental
3. Angus
4. Charolais
5. Maine Anjou
7. Brahman
8. Limousin
6. Hereford
Name:_____________
Date:_____________
Hour:_____________
Where Are All The Beef Cattle?
Top 5 Cattle Countries in 2006
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
India
Brazil
China
United States
European Union*
World Total
332.2 million head
173.8 million head
104.7 million head
97.1 million head
85.9 million head
1.044 billion head
The top 5 countries represent 76% of all cattle in the world
Who is Eating All the Beef
The top 5 countries that consume beef
1. United States
2. European Union
3. China
4. Brazil
5. Argentina
The top 5 countries that produce beef
1. United States
2. Brazil
3. European Union
4. China
5. Argentina
Concepts to Remember
•What is a ruminant?
•What are the different sex names for cattle?
•The 8 beef breeds
•U.S. and Global beef statistics